Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple unveils the new iMac with M4, supercharged by Apple Intelligence and available in fresh colors. Learn more >

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Cleaning up Older Mac.

Basic approach to clean up old Mac. with many folders & files


iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 14, 2021 9:16 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 14, 2021 9:53 AM

There is no magic wand app. In fact, most third party cleaning and optimizing app's will make a bigger mess and possible even render your iMac useless.


For starters,

  1. reduce the number of items set to startup at login.
  2. remove unwanted/unused third party app's.
  3. thin down the number of dock icons.
  4. empty out your downloads folder.
  5. clean up your desktop icons.
  6. use Safe Mode, then restart.


Then use EtreCheck Pro and post back here with that Report.

see > https://etrecheck.com

for help posting your EtreCheck Pro Report here for evaluation,

see > https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 14, 2021 9:53 AM in response to Gasped

There is no magic wand app. In fact, most third party cleaning and optimizing app's will make a bigger mess and possible even render your iMac useless.


For starters,

  1. reduce the number of items set to startup at login.
  2. remove unwanted/unused third party app's.
  3. thin down the number of dock icons.
  4. empty out your downloads folder.
  5. clean up your desktop icons.
  6. use Safe Mode, then restart.


Then use EtreCheck Pro and post back here with that Report.

see > https://etrecheck.com

for help posting your EtreCheck Pro Report here for evaluation,

see > https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000211

Cleaning up Older Mac.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.